Leadership before Permission

By Dr Shubhendu Kulshreshtha

June 2025

(As featured in the EmpowHer Magazine)

I was new to the hospital, on a locum shift.

The team in resus had never met me.

But they had met each other—enough to have banter, gossip, shorthand.

When the trauma call came, it sounded straightforward. But when the patient arrived, things fell apart quickly.

Suddenly, the senior clinicians split focus. One disappeared into airway management. The other chased CT logistics.

No one was holding the whole room.

And in that moment—without being the most senior, or even well-known—I said:

“I’ll lead.”

I still remember how it felt.My voice sounded steadier than my insides.

I raised my hand. Moved to the end of the bed. Hands behind my back.I stood taller than I am.

As a young looking, short, asian man, I felt like I didn’t fit in at all.

As they turned and looked at me,

The voice in my head whispered: “They’re going to judge you.”

But no one did.

They listened.

And we worked.

Leadership isn’t about doing everything. It’s about noticing what no one else is seeing—and taking responsibility for the whole.

Not because you’re the most experienced.Not because you were invited.But because someone needs to.

In high-stakes settings, leadership is often misread as decision-making.

But real leadership is about creating space for others to do what they do best.

It’s about seeing the crux.

Naming it.

And letting the right people act.

Half an hour later, they came back.

“Thank you. That’s exactly what we needed.”

They didn’t ask how many years I had. Or what grade I was.

They just noticed the one person willing to hold the centre.

You’re taught to prove yourselves first.

To be agreeable. To wait until you’re invited. To build rapport before you lead.

But sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do—is raise your hand and say:

“I’ve got this.”

Not to take over.

But to take responsibility.

Because you’re not there to be liked.

You’re there to help the team do what they came to do.

And trust me - when you own your role, they’ll follow.

The rapport will come.

The credibility will build.

And the room will remember you.

Not because you were included.But because you took control.

If you remember one thing:

Leadership isn’t about being the best. It’s about creating the conditions for others to be brilliant.

And that? That’s real power.

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If you enjoyed this article, you can find out more about me and my work on Linkedin - Search Dr. Shubhendu Kulshreshtha, visit my website www.coachwithshub.com or check out my podcast ‘Medic Side Hustles’ on Spotify and Youtube.

My 1:1 coaching waitlist is now open. Reach out to join.

Regards,

Shub